Team 7.
The sun dipped slowly behind the grand peaks of the Hidden Leaf Village, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. The wind, a gentle whisper through the trees, carried the fragrance of blooming flowers and the promise of spring. It was the kind of day that made one feel as if the world were standing still, caught in a moment of perfect tranquility.
On the edge of the village’s vast training grounds, three figures moved with the grace and energy of youth—each one a part of a story still unfolding.
Naruto Uzumaki, with his bright, ever-sparkling eyes, dashed across the field like a streak of sunshine. His laughter, unrestrained and pure, echoed across the empty space, as though the very air had become his playground. No one could outpace him—not in spirit, not in heart. He spun mid-air, his feet kicking up dust as he landed with a triumphant grin.
Beside him, Sasuke Uchiha stood still, as ever, the lines of his silhouette carved against the horizon. His eyes, dark as a midnight sky, held a distant gleam, a quiet understanding. Though his body was a temple of stillness, his heart, like the hidden currents of a river, raced with thoughts too complex for the world around him to understand. His breath was steady, his gaze unwavering. He would not give in to the world’s expectations, but he would never turn his back on the ones who mattered most.
Sakura Haruno, with the wind tousling her soft pink hair, watched them both. Her heart, ever tender and full of longing, beat with a rhythm only she understood. She admired them—both Naruto, with his relentless optimism, and Sasuke, with his silent strength. They were her friends, her comrades in arms, yet sometimes it felt as if a quiet distance had begun to grow between them. She wasn’t sure if it was the village that was changing or if it was something inside her that was shifting.
“Focus, Naruto!” Sakura’s voice rang out, playful yet sharp, as Naruto tumbled from a leap and crashed to the ground. “You’re going to hurt yourself if you keep going like that!”
Naruto lay there, arms spread wide, laughing with abandon. “Whoops! Guess I got too carried away again!” he said, his voice full of good humor, but his eyes sparkling with the same unshakable determination.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “You always get carried away,” he remarked dryly, his voice as crisp as autumn air.
But there was something in his eyes—a spark of fondness for the ever-energetic Naruto, something soft and fleeting. Sasuke didn’t speak of it, not aloud. But the way he stood by Naruto in quiet understanding was all the answer Naruto needed.
Sakura, unable to suppress a smile, joined in the teasing. “Don’t mind Sasuke, Naruto. He only grumbles when he’s worried.”
Naruto shot her a mock glare. “Yeah, well, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me, Sakura!” His words were light, but his eyes, like the clear blue sky above, carried a quiet sincerity.
The three of them stood there for a moment, a peaceful silence settling over them. The world around them seemed to pause as if in recognition of the simple beauty of this moment: three friends, together, as they always had been, growing, learning, and finding joy in the small things that made life meaningful.
But even in this moment of tranquility, there was the quiet hum of something deeper, something unspoken. Sasuke’s thoughts swirled like clouds gathering on the horizon, his heart heavier than he let on. He didn’t speak of it—not to Naruto, not to anyone—but there was a yearning that gnawed at him in the stillness of his heart. He had come to care for Naruto in ways he hadn’t expected. But to say it aloud? That was a different story.
Sakura, too, had her own unspoken truths. As she watched Sasuke and Naruto, her heart fluttered with both happiness and a quiet ache. She had always been the one to try and bridge the distance between them, to hold onto the belief that one day, Sasuke would see her the way she had always dreamed. But as time went on, it became clear—Sasuke’s heart did not belong to her. And that was something she had to accept, even if it stung.
“Come on, let’s train properly this time,” Naruto said, his voice light, but there was a steadiness in it that told Sakura he had sensed the change in her too. “We’ve got missions to do, and you can’t be distracted by things like tea parties when we’re out there, right?”
Sakura raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling. “Tea parties, you say? I think a little tea party would be just the thing to cheer us all up after this grueling training session.”
“Not another one of those,” Sasuke muttered under his breath, though there was a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Oh, come on!” Sakura grinned, her eyes bright with mischief. “You two could be royalty! We could have a camera and everything!”
Naruto laughed loudly, a sound that could brighten even the darkest of days. “Now you’re talking, Sakura! But we’d make the best royal team—Naruto Uzumaki, King of the Land of Fire!”
“Maybe you should try not to make such a spectacle out of everything,” Sasuke commented dryly, though there was warmth in his voice.
For a brief, fleeting moment, the future seemed distant, and the weight of the world didn’t matter. In that shared space, under the golden sky, three friends were just that—friends. And that, in itself, was enough.
Sasuke, once again quiet, seemed to watch the exchange with something akin to amusement. It was a rare sight, to see Naruto and Sakura so animated. There was an unspoken dynamic that bound the three of them together—something deeper than just the superficial moments of bickering or laughter. But Sasuke kept these thoughts to himself, as always. It was easier that way.
Later, after their usual training session, when the sun was beginning its descent, casting the village in shades of pink and gold, Sakura decided it was time to make her move. She had been thinking about this for days now, her thoughts swirling around the same idea. It wasn’t much—just a gesture—but it felt important to her, like a quiet way to show that she wasn’t going to sit idly by anymore. Not when it came to Sasuke.
“Hey,” she said to him as they walked side by side, Naruto already a few steps ahead, humming an off-key tune to himself. “Do you think we could… spend some time together? Just the three of us, I mean. I know you’re busy, but it would be nice to do something… normal.”
Sasuke glanced at her, his expression as stoic as always, but for a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes. “Normal?”
“You know… like hanging out. Eating together, or maybe even playing a game. You and Naruto don’t always have to train,” she said, her voice soft but sincere.
Sasuke was quiet for a long while. He didn’t know what to say, how to respond to something so simple, yet so complex. What was normal, after all? Was it the calm moments in between missions? The hours spent laughing with friends? Or was it something more, something deeper, that tied them all together in ways they could never fully understand?
Naruto’s loud voice suddenly broke through the silence, filled with enthusiasm as always. “Oh, I’m totally down for that! We can get dango and talk about all the coolest ninjutsu techniques I know!”
Sakura shot him a grateful smile, relieved by his excitement. It was silly, but sometimes it felt like it took Naruto’s overwhelming energy to remind Sasuke and herself that they didn’t always have to be serious. That it was okay to just be… to be themselves.
Sasuke glanced at them both, the quiet warmth between them lingering in the air, as soft as the dying light of the setting sun. It was but a fragile beginning, yet it felt true—a start to something he could not yet fully understand, though it stirred something deep within him, even if his heart was not yet ready to comprehend it.
The next few weeks passed in much the same way. Sasuke trained hard, as always, but now there was an underlying shift in the air—a tension that seemed to hang over the trio whenever they were together. Naruto’s persistent optimism and Sakura’s quiet determination brought them closer, but Sasuke remained elusive, always just out of reach.
He couldn’t help but notice the small ways that Naruto had started to change. The way he held his head a little higher, the way his laughter had a deeper edge to it—like it wasn’t just about proving himself anymore. Sasuke could see the quiet growth in Naruto, even if no one else did. It was the kind of change that only a few people might notice, the kind that spoke of unspoken progress.
Sakura, too, had been growing. She wasn’t just the girl who chased after Sasuke anymore. She was finding her own way, her own strength, her own place in their little world. And though it hurt, a part of her had to admit that it was becoming easier to let go of the idea that Sasuke might someday love her in return.
Instead, she focused on what they all had—a bond that was rare and valuable, even if it wasn’t always what she had imagined.
As the days grew warmer and the scent of the blooming flowers filled the village, there was an undeniable sense of change in the air. Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura—each was on their own journey. And somehow, without even realizing it, they were all beginning to walk the same path.
The Mission to the Hidden Waterfall Village
It had been a few weeks since the team was assigned their first official mission as Genin, and the air was thick with anticipation. Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura stood in the Hokage’s office, where Iruka had just finished briefing them.
“We’ve received word that there’s been a disturbance near the Hidden Waterfall Village,” Iruka explained. “A rogue ninja faction has been causing trouble in the area, and they need assistance with dealing with the situation. It’s a simple mission, but it’ll be a great opportunity for you to gain some real-world experience.”
Naruto grinned, excited at the prospect of getting to do something other than training. “Finally! A real mission!” He jumped up and punched the air. “We’re gonna show them what we’re made of!”
Sasuke, as usual, remained calm. “We’ll need to focus. Don’t expect it to be easy.”
Sakura, standing beside them, smiled with determination. “We’ve got this. Let’s make sure we stay focused and work together.”
Iruka gave them a gentle smile. “You’ll leave in two days. Be ready.”
The journey to the Hidden Waterfall Village was long and filled with natural beauty. The path wound through dense forests and rushing rivers, with the occasional wild animal crossing their path. Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura found themselves walking side by side, with the occasional exchange of words.
It was strange. For once, it felt like the three of them were working as a team—not just a group of individuals thrown together. There was a sense of unity forming between them. Sasuke noticed that he was becoming more attuned to the way Naruto moved, to the subtle shifts in his body language. Naruto, as always, remained loud and energetic, but there was something about his optimism that Sasuke couldn’t help but feel drawn to. He had always admired Naruto’s strength, his unwavering drive to keep moving forward no matter what. It wasn’t something Sasuke had ever truly understood until recently.
Naruto, on the other hand, was blissfully unaware of the tension that sometimes lingered in Sasuke’s gaze. To him, Sasuke was just Sasuke—a rival, yes, but also someone he had always considered his equal. He couldn’t help but look up to him, though he would never admit it out loud. There was something in the way Sasuke moved, the way he carried himself—calm, calculated, always a step ahead. It made Naruto want to push himself harder, to get better, to make Sasuke respect him more.
They arrived at the Hidden Waterfall Village by nightfall. The village was situated along a large waterfall, with mist hanging heavily in the air. The sound of the water crashing against the rocks below echoed through the village, creating an atmosphere that was both peaceful and foreboding.
A village official met them at the gates, a stern-looking woman who introduced herself as Mei. “Thank you for coming. We’ve been dealing with rogue ninja for the past few weeks. They’ve been stealing our resources and attacking the village, and we’ve been unable to get rid of them. We’ve set up a safe house on the outskirts. Please, follow me.”
As they walked deeper into the village, Sasuke couldn’t help but feel an unease in the air. The place was beautiful, but there was an underlying tension. Mei led them to the safe house, where they were briefed on the mission’s details. They were tasked with finding and eliminating the rogue ninja who had been attacking the village.
“Be careful,” Mei warned them. “These aren’t ordinary rogues. They’re highly skilled, and they know how to blend into the environment.”
Naruto’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Sounds like a challenge! Just the way I like it!”
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s get this over with quickly.”
Sakura, always trying to maintain peace, added, “We’ll work together. We can do this.”
That night, as the team settled down in the safe house, the tension between Sasuke and Naruto became more palpable. Naruto, as usual, was excited about the mission. But Sasuke… Sasuke was thinking about something else.
He found himself stealing glances at Naruto more often than he would like to admit. There was something in the way Naruto’s eyes sparkled when he was determined, something in his laugh that resonated deeply within Sasuke. But Sasuke wasn’t ready to confront those feelings. Not yet.
Sakura, who had been watching the two of them, couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift. She wasn’t sure if Sasuke was starting to feel something for Naruto, but there was something in his demeanor—something different. And that made her heart ache.
The next day, the team ventured into the forest, following the trail left by the rogue ninja. They moved silently, their senses sharp. Sasuke led the way, with Naruto and Sakura following closely behind.
They didn’t have to wait long before they were ambushed.
The rogue ninja, masked and skilled in stealth, emerged from the trees, attacking with swift precision. The battle was fast-paced and intense, with Sasuke and Naruto working together seamlessly. But Sasuke noticed something. Naruto—he was strong, stronger than Sasuke had given him credit for. And as they fought side by side, Sasuke’s heart raced in a way that had nothing to do with the fight.
Naruto’s moves were unpredictable, wild even, but they were effective. He was a whirlwind of energy, and for the first time, Sasuke realized that this energy, this unyielding spirit, was something he had started to admire more than he cared to admit.
Naruto didn’t notice Sasuke’s internal conflict. He was too focused on the fight, too focused on protecting his friends, on proving himself. But there was something in the air, something Sasuke couldn’t ignore anymore.
As the fight drew to a close, the rogue ninja retreated, realizing they were outmatched. Sasuke, panting slightly, turned to Naruto, his gaze lingering a little too long.
“You did well,” Sasuke said, his voice low.
Naruto beamed at him, completely oblivious. “Of course I did! I’m amazing!”
Sasuke smiled, but the way his eyes lingered said more than he ever let on.
The mission concluded successfully, but it marked a turning point for Sasuke. The more time he spent with Naruto, the more he realized that his feelings were changing, and he wasn’t sure how to deal with it. He knew Naruto was oblivious to his feelings—he always had been—but something told Sasuke that eventually, he would have to confront the truth.
Sakura noticed the shift too, but she didn’t know what to make of it. She couldn’t deny that something was happening between them, but whether it was love or something else entirely, she couldn’t say.
But for now, the mission was over. The rogue ninja had been defeated, and the team returned to Konoha as heroes.
The mission had been a success, and the team returned to Konoha with a sense of accomplishment. They’d handled the rogue ninja swiftly, and the village was grateful for their help. But now, it was time to relax and celebrate their victory.
Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura met back at the Uchiha clan compound, where they’d been staying temporarily. The air was cooler now, the evening sky dimming with the first stars of the night. Naruto was bouncing on his heels with excitement, eager to do something fun after the tension of the mission.
“Hey, hey, what if we have a sleepover?” Naruto grinned, his eyes sparkling. “We could invite the others! Hinata, Neji, Kiba, and maybe Shikamaru too! Let’s just kick back and enjoy the night.”
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, clearly not as enthusiastic. “A sleepover? You’re kidding.”
“Oh, come on, Sasuke!” Naruto nudged him with an elbow. “It’ll be fun. We can all hang out, eat snacks, talk about random stuff—no missions, no training, just having a good time!”
Sakura was already smiling at the idea, though. “It could be nice, actually. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve a break.”
Sasuke rolled his eyes, but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d grown to enjoy these moments with Naruto and Sakura—despite the chaos that often followed Naruto’s ideas.
“Fine,” Sasuke said, looking at Naruto. “But I’m not going to participate in any of your ridiculous games.”
Naruto punched the air in triumph. “Deal! Let’s go invite everyone.”
That evening, the Uchiha compound was filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional argument about what to eat or what game to play. Sakura, as usual, was the one organizing things, making sure everyone was comfortable.
Kiba had brought his dog, Akamaru, and they all found a spot to settle in the living room. Hinata sat quietly, her cheeks a little pink from the attention, while Neji and Shikamaru were both trying to act indifferent to the situation but clearly enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Shikamaru flopped onto the floor with a sigh. “What’s the point of a sleepover if we’re just going to sit here and talk? I’d rather be asleep.”
“Shikamaru!” Naruto exclaimed. “This is fun! We don’t always need to be doing something serious! Just chill out and enjoy it.”
Hinata, who had been mostly quiet, smiled gently. “It’s nice… being able to spend time like this. We don’t get to do this often.”
Sakura grinned and nodded. “Exactly! It’s nice to just have some time to be normal teenagers, even if we’re all ninjas.” She glanced over at Sasuke, who was sitting in a corner, looking like he was trying to act aloof, but he was clearly listening to the conversation.
Naruto plopped down next to Sasuke, looking over at him. “You’re so serious all the time. Don’t you ever just want to have fun?”
Sasuke gave him a look, but Naruto’s persistence had a way of chipping away at his walls. He wasn’t sure why, but it felt different—like something had changed inside him since they’d returned from the mission. “I have fun,” Sasuke replied shortly, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes when Naruto smiled at him.
Hinata sat next to Sakura, her voice a little soft but clear enough for everyone to hear. “I think this is a good way for us all to relax, don’t you think? After the mission, it feels nice to have a peaceful night.”
Kiba leaned back, holding up a snack and grinning at everyone. “How about we play a game? Something fun! Like… truth or dare!”
“Truth or dare?!” Sakura exclaimed, her eyes wide. “You really think that’s a good idea?”
“Well, we’re supposed to be having fun, right?” Kiba smirked. “You can’t be serious all the time.”
Neji, who had been observing the group with his usual calm expression, suddenly spoke up. “I’m not sure what kind of ‘fun’ you’re aiming for, but if we’re going to play a game, I’ll pass on the dares.”
“Don’t be such a buzzkill!” Naruto grinned, nudging Neji playfully. “It’ll be fun. I’ll start!”
As the night wore on, the games became more absurd. The truth or dare questions quickly escalated, and by the time they were halfway through, everyone was laughing, shouting, and joking around. Even Sasuke found himself participating, albeit begrudgingly, when Naruto dared him to do something ridiculous. There was something refreshing about the simplicity of it all—the bonds they were building were growing stronger than any mission or training session ever could.
Naruto, oblivious to Sasuke’s internal struggles, was completely caught up in the fun, laughing so loud that it echoed throughout the compound. Sasuke, on the other hand, couldn’t help but notice how free Naruto was. His laughter was unrestrained, his energy contagious. It was a stark contrast to the way Sasuke had been for so long—careful, controlled, distant. But in these moments, it felt like that distance was shrinking. Slowly, without either of them realizing it, Sasuke’s heart was beginning to soften toward the loud, optimistic, and relentless boy sitting beside him.
As the night began winding down, Sakura pulled out a bunch of blankets, and they all settled in for the night, talking quietly as they all lay back. The stars outside could be seen through the large windows, and for a moment, it was like everything had slowed down. There were no missions, no expectations, just friends who had been through a lot together.
Naruto, tired but still energetic, turned to Sasuke with a grin. “You know, this was actually kind of fun. We should do it again sometime.”
Sasuke looked over at Naruto, and for a brief moment, there was something unspoken between them—a mutual understanding, a deeper connection that hadn’t quite taken shape yet, but was definitely growing.
“Maybe,” Sasuke muttered, his voice quieter than usual. He glanced at Naruto, not meeting his eyes fully. “Maybe next time… you’ll get me to play that stupid game again.”
Naruto didn’t catch the weight of his words, but he grinned, knowing that despite everything, Sasuke had just agreed to something that seemed a little more personal than usual.
As everyone settled in for the night, the laughter slowly faded into a comfortable silence. For once, there was no pressure, no burden of the past hanging over their heads. It was just them—Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, and their friends—living in the moment. And it felt like that moment was one they’d all remember for a long time.
The cozy living room of the Uchiha compound was alive with chatter as everyone settled down for the night. The laughter from the earlier rounds of truth or dare had died down, but the mood was still light and playful. There were blankets strewn across the floor, a few leftover snacks, and everyone was huddled together, still buzzing from the fun.
Naruto stretched and yawned, his usual energetic personality starting to wind down for the night. His eyes flicked toward Hinata, who was sitting across the room, her hands clasped together nervously.
“So, Hinata!” Naruto called out, flashing his trademark grin. “What’s your deal? You’ve been kinda quiet all night. You’re not tired, are you?”
Hinata’s face flushed bright red. “N-No! I’m not tired!” She quickly straightened up, trying to push away her nerves. “I-I’m just… enjoying being here.”
Sasuke noticed the way Hinata’s gaze kept darting toward Naruto, and he felt a strange stirring in his chest. He glanced at Naruto, who was completely oblivious to the girl’s crush. The way Naruto interacted with people—unaware, unbothered, but somehow always so genuine—had always fascinated Sasuke.
Naruto, still oblivious to the quiet, shy girl’s feelings, turned to the others. “Hey, we should play a new game! What do you think, Kiba? Shikamaru?”
Shikamaru, who had been lounging lazily on the couch, lifted his head just enough to acknowledge the conversation. “Not really in the mood for more games, Naruto. But if you want to entertain yourselves, go ahead.”
Sasuke, lying on the floor with his arms folded behind his head, smirked. “Shikamaru’s right. You’re the one who suggested it, Naruto. You’re stuck with it.”
Naruto chuckled and plopped next to Sasuke, earning a brief, annoyed glance from him. “Alright, alright. Let’s do something else, then! But I don’t wanna just sit here either. How about… a midnight snack run? We could sneak out and raid the nearest ramen shop!”
“Yeah!” Kiba’s ears perked up at the mention of food. “Ramen sounds perfect!”
Hinata’s eyes widened slightly. “Wouldn’t that be… risky? We might get caught sneaking out so late.”
“Who’s gonna catch us?” Naruto said with his usual grin, uncaring of the consequences. “Besides, we deserve a break!”
Sakura rolled her eyes but was clearly smiling. “You all are going to get in trouble. But I guess I wouldn’t mind some ramen either.”
As everyone started to prepare for their late-night ramen raid, Neji spoke up. “I’ll pass on sneaking around. I prefer a quiet night.”
“You’re no fun,” Kiba teased.
“Neji’s just a buzzkill,” Naruto laughed, before looking at Gaara, who had been sitting in the corner, quietly observing the group.
Gaara had been pretty quiet the whole night, but it was clear he was watching Naruto closely. Their friendship, though not yet fully formed, had grown stronger over the past year. Naruto had always found a kind of kinship with Gaara—someone who, like him, had once been alone and misunderstood.
Gaara met Naruto’s eyes and gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. “I’ll go. It sounds… interesting.”
Sasuke shot Gaara a look but said nothing. He was still processing the fact that Naruto had somehow befriended the sand shinobi—a person who, at one point, had been a major threat. But over time, Gaara’s changes mirrored Naruto’s own growth. There was something in Gaara’s quiet, calm demeanor that Naruto had somehow broken through, and Sasuke couldn’t help but admire that in a strange way.
The group slipped out of the Uchiha compound, sneaking past the village gates in a haphazard but quiet fashion. Sasuke, despite his usual stoic nature, was somewhat amused by the chaos that Naruto always seemed to stir up. The others were all trying to avoid detection—Hinata was the most nervous, glancing around at every sound, but Naruto’s infectious energy kept them all moving forward.
They arrived at the ramen shop, and Naruto immediately made a beeline for the counter. “One bowl of miso ramen, old man!” he called out, making the shopkeeper laugh.
As they all settled into their seats, the mood lightened even more. Hinata’s gaze kept shifting toward Naruto, and every time he looked her way, she quickly looked down at her bowl. It was clear to everyone except Naruto that she was nervous around him.
Sakura noticed the tension and decided to tease Hinata a little to break the ice. “You know, Hinata, I think you’d be good at playing the flute! You’ve got this gentle, soft energy. It’s really nice.”
The compliment caught Hinata off guard, and her blush returned tenfold. “I-I-I don’t know, Sakura… I-I’ve never really played an instrument before…”
“You should try it!” Sakura encouraged. “It’s a great way to relax. You’ve got the right vibe for it.”
“Thanks, Sakura…” Hinata mumbled, still unsure of herself.
Sasuke, who had been quietly eating his ramen, turned his gaze toward Naruto for a second. His thoughts lingered on Naruto’s obliviousness to Hinata’s feelings, but his expression remained impassive. It was a strange feeling—this protective instinct he felt for the loud, boisterous blond. He wondered, briefly, what it would take for Naruto to notice the subtle cues others were picking up on.
Just then, Gaara leaned in, speaking quietly to Naruto. “You know, you’ve changed a lot. I used to think you were nothing but a nuisance, but now… I don’t know. It’s different.”
Naruto grinned, clearly not understanding how significant Gaara’s words were. “Eh? You didn’t like me at first?”
“I didn’t like anyone at first,” Gaara replied, his voice softer. “But now, I think I can understand you more than I ever thought possible.”
Naruto’s eyes softened a little at that. “You’re not such a bad guy, Gaara.”
Gaara nodded, his expression still calm but showing something almost like appreciation. “I think… we’re similar in some ways.”
After their midnight ramen run, everyone eventually returned to the Uchiha compound, tired but satisfied. The night had been full of laughter, food, and quiet moments that cemented the bonds between them. However, as the others settled in, some stayed behind for more intimate conversations.
Sasuke found himself standing outside, staring up at the moon, when Naruto joined him silently.
“You’re not going to bed?” Naruto asked, his voice unusually soft.
Sasuke glanced over at him, his dark eyes meeting Naruto’s bright ones. “I needed some air.”
Naruto nodded, not sensing the weight behind Sasuke’s words, but still offering a genuine smile. “I had a lot of fun tonight. It’s not every day we get to just… be normal, right?”
Sasuke hesitated for a moment, then nodded, though his heart was beating a little faster than usual. “Yeah. I guess I had fun too.”
Naruto looked up at the stars, his gaze full of wonder. “We should do this more often. Get the whole gang together, like we did tonight.”
Sasuke looked away, his thoughts a little clouded. He had never considered moments like this with anyone other than his family. Yet, now he was beginning to see that these bonds with Naruto, Sakura, and the others were something he wanted to protect—something important.
The air was quiet for a moment, and Sasuke felt his heart thrum just a little faster as he realized it. This was the beginning of something. He wasn’t sure what it was yet, but he knew one thing for sure. He didn’t want to lose it.
The morning sun peeked through the windows of the Uchiha compound, casting a golden glow over the mess left behind from the sleepover. Blankets were sprawled across the floor, pillows were in places they definitely shouldn’t be, and Naruto was half-sprawled on top of Kiba, who was grumbling in his sleep.
Hinata had been the first to wake up, quietly folding her blanket as she tried to steady her racing heart. The night before had been wonderful—getting to spend time with everyone, laughing, playing games—but most of all, just being around Naruto.
She glanced at him now, still fast asleep, mouth open slightly, his hair messy from sleep. Her face turned red, and she quickly turned away, trying to shake the feeling.
Sakura stretched and sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Ugh, my back hurts… Sleeping on the floor was not fun.”
“Maybe next time don’t roll around so much,” Sasuke muttered from where he was sitting against the wall, arms crossed. He had woken up early, as always, and had been watching the others slowly wake up.
Shikamaru groaned from the couch, half-buried under a blanket. “Too… early… Why are you people even talking?”
Kiba finally shoved Naruto off of him. “Dude, get off me! You drooled on my jacket.”
Naruto sat up groggily, scratching his head. “Huh? Oh. Sorry, I guess.” Then his stomach grumbled loudly. “Man, I’m starving! We need food!”
Sasuke sighed, standing up. “I’ll make something. But if you start yelling about ramen again first thing in the morning, I’m throwing you out.”
Naruto gasped. “You can cook?!”
Sasuke gave him an unimpressed look. “Yes, idiot. What do you think I eat? Air?”
“I don’t know, man. You never talk about food.” Naruto laughed, standing up and stretching. “Alright, Uchiha, show us your amazing cooking skills.”
Sasuke had somehow managed to get everyone to sit still long enough for him to cook a proper breakfast. It was simple—rice, eggs, miso soup—but it was well-made, and everyone was grateful.
Well, almost everyone.
“This tastes… suspiciously good,” Naruto said, stuffing food into his mouth. “How’d you learn to cook like this?”
Sasuke rolled his eyes. “I live alone. What did you think I did? Starve?”
Kiba, his mouth half-full, nudged Shikamaru. “Man, imagine if Sasuke was a chef instead of a shinobi.”
“Too much work,” Shikamaru mumbled. “And too troublesome.”
Neji, who had joined them earlier that morning after hearing about the chaos from Hinata, sat calmly with his tea. “It’s impressive. Most of us don’t have time to develop non-shinobi skills.”
“Except for me,” Tenten said proudly. “I have all kinds of skills.”
“Yeah, like breaking things,” Neji muttered.
Tenten gasped. “Excuse me?!”
Sasuke let the conversation fade into the background as he glanced at Naruto, who was happily shoveling food into his mouth, completely oblivious to anything else around him. Sasuke had never cared much about compliments, but for some reason, knowing Naruto enjoyed something he made… it felt different.
After breakfast, the group was still feeling restless. They had spent the past week training hard, and now that they had some free time, Naruto was the first to suggest they do something fun.
“What about the hot springs?” Ino suggested. “It’s been a while since we’ve all had a real break.”
“Not a bad idea,” Shikamaru admitted. “It’s close, and we don’t have any missions today.”
Sakura perked up. “A trip to the hot springs sounds nice! And it’d be a good chance for all of us to relax.”
And so, after some minor arguments (mostly Naruto complaining about why they had to take a bath in public), the group set off for the hot springs.
The hot springs were split into two sections—one for the girls and one for the boys. As expected, chaos erupted immediately.
On the boys’ side, Naruto was already causing problems.
“Alright! Time to relax!” he declared, stepping into the steaming water with a huge grin. “Ahhh, this is great!”
Shikamaru leaned back against the edge of the spring, looking like he might fall asleep at any moment. “Finally, some peace and quiet…”
“Hey, Naruto,” Kiba called from the other side, “bet you can’t hold your breath underwater longer than me.”
“Oh, you’re on, dog-boy!”
Before anyone could stop them, Naruto and Kiba were already dunking themselves under the water, determined to outlast each other.
Sasuke, who had been sitting quietly on the edge, sighed. “Idiots.”
Meanwhile, on the girls’ side, things were just as lively.
“I bet Naruto is doing something dumb right now,” Ino said, relaxing against the edge of the hot spring.
Sakura snorted. “Oh, definitely.”
Hinata, meanwhile, was still lost in thought. The night before had been fun, and today was turning out to be just as nice. But she kept thinking about Naruto—how he always smiled, how he was always full of energy. He never seemed to notice how much people cared about him.
Tenten smirked. “Hey, Hinata, you okay? You’ve been quiet.”
“Ah! I-I’m fine!” Hinata squeaked, her face turning red.
“Ohhh,” Ino teased. “Thinking about a certain loud, blonde ninja, huh?”
Hinata covered her face, completely embarrassed, while the others laughed.
After their trip to the hot springs, the group made their way back to the village. Most of them were tired from the day, and after a quick dinner, they started heading home.
Gaara, who had stayed with them the whole time, lingered a bit longer as Naruto stretched and looked up at the sky.
“Man, today was awesome,” Naruto said, smiling. “I’m glad you came with us, Gaara.”
Gaara, who had never experienced such a carefree day with friends, nodded. “It was… different. But good.”
Naruto grinned. “See? Told you hanging out with us is fun.”
Sasuke, standing nearby, watched the exchange. He wasn’t sure why, but seeing Naruto and Gaara together like that made him feel… uneasy.
It was a new feeling, and he didn’t like it.
As Naruto and Gaara continued talking, Sasuke turned away, his fists clenching slightly. He told himself it didn’t matter.
But somehow, it did.
The air was crisp as they walked through the village streets, the lanterns flickering softly against the warm glow of the shops still open late into the evening. The group had dwindled little by little—Ino had dragged Shikamaru and Choji home, Tenten and Neji had returned to the Hyuga compound, and Kiba had gone off with Akamaru.
Now, it was just Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, and Gaara walking through the quieting streets, the warmth of the hot springs still lingering in their skin.
Naruto stretched his arms behind his head, sighing happily. “Man, today was great! We should do this more often.”
Sakura hummed. “You say that like you don’t always drag us into random things anyway.”
“Hey! I do not—okay, maybe I do.”
Gaara, walking just slightly behind them, glanced toward Naruto. His presence was quieter than the others, but he wasn’t uncomfortable. The more time he spent around them, the more he started to understand something.
Connection.
He had always thought bonds made people weak, that caring about others made you vulnerable. But watching Naruto—seeing the way people naturally gathered around him, how easily he brought life to those near him—it made him wonder. Maybe there was strength in it, too.
“Naruto,” Gaara said suddenly, his voice even as ever. “Do you do this often? Spend time with them?”
“Huh?” Naruto turned to him. “What, you mean like hanging out? Yeah, kinda! I mean, not always like this, but we’re always together, y’know?”
Gaara considered this. “I see.”
There was a pause, then Naruto grinned. “What, you wanna join us more?”
Gaara blinked. The thought hadn’t really formed in his mind yet, but Naruto had already said it as if it were natural, as if there was no question. He didn’t need to ask for a place in their world—it had already been made for him.
“…Perhaps,” Gaara admitted quietly.
Sasuke, who had been silent for most of the walk, glanced at them. He didn’t know why it irritated him. It wasn’t as if Naruto couldn’t be friends with Gaara. It wasn’t as if it affected him.
And yet.
He didn’t like it.
He pushed the thought away.
“Where are we even going?” Sasuke muttered, hands in his pockets.
“Oh! Oh!” Naruto suddenly perked up. “Let’s get food!”
Sasuke sighed. “You just ate.”
“Yeah, but that was hours ago! C’mon, I bet Ichiraku’s still open!”
Sakura groaned. “Naruto, not ramen again.”
“What’s wrong with ramen?!”
Hinata, who had been walking quietly beside them, felt her heart jump when Naruto turned to her. “You want ramen, right, Hinata?”
Hinata made a small, startled noise. “U-uh—”
Naruto smiled, nudging her. “See? Bet she wants some.”
Hinata’s face was bright red. She hadn’t even answered.
Sakura sighed. “Fine. But after this, we’re going home.”
Gaara simply followed, unbothered. He had never had ramen before. It was just food.
But Naruto seemed so excited about it, so he supposed he would try.
Teuchi chuckled as he placed the bowls of steaming ramen in front of them. “You’re here late tonight, Naruto.”
Naruto grinned. “Yup! We had a long day, so we needed to finish it off with ramen!”
The group settled into their seats, the warm scent of broth filling the air. Gaara stared down at his bowl, the swirls of steam curling upwards.
“You’ve never had ramen, have you?” Naruto asked, watching him.
Gaara shook his head.
“Well, what’re you waiting for? Dig in!”
Gaara hesitated before lifting his chopsticks, taking a small bite. The flavors were… different. Warm.
Not bad.
Naruto grinned. “See? Good, right?”
Gaara simply nodded.
Hinata stole small glances at Naruto as she quietly ate her own ramen, heart racing every time he laughed or spoke. He was just so… bright.
Sasuke, meanwhile, was distracted. He wasn’t even sure what he was feeling. Watching Naruto light up when he spoke to Gaara, watching Gaara react in his quiet, almost unreadable way—Sasuke hated how much he noticed.
Why did it even matter?
Sakura leaned her chin on her hand, watching the two. “It’s kinda weird seeing you two get along so well. You tried to kill each other not that long ago.”
Naruto shrugged. “Eh, that was in the past.”
Gaara was quiet for a moment before he spoke. “It’s… different now.”
Naruto beamed at him.
Sasuke clicked his chopsticks together a little too hard.
By the time they left Ichiraku, the village was nearly silent. The streets were empty save for the occasional passing shinobi.
Sakura yawned. “Alright, I’m heading home.”
Hinata clasped her hands together. “I-I should go, too.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Naruto waved. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow!”
Sakura turned toward Sasuke. “You coming?”
Sasuke shook his head. “I’ll stay back a bit.”
Sakura hesitated, then shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
One by one, they disappeared, until it was just Naruto, Sasuke, and Gaara left under the streetlights.
Naruto stretched, sighing. “Man, what a day.”
Gaara nodded. “It was… enjoyable.”
Naruto grinned. “See? Told you hanging out with us would be fun.”
Gaara’s gaze lingered on him for a moment.
Sasuke felt something twist in his chest.
“Well, I should go,” Gaara finally said. “Goodnight.”
Naruto waved. “Night, Gaara!”
Gaara turned, disappearing into the shadows.
Now, it was just the two of them.
Naruto kicked at a pebble. “Guess we should go, too, huh?”
Sasuke stared at him for a moment before looking away. “…Yeah.”
They walked in silence, side by side.
Naruto was completely unaware of the way Sasuke’s mind was racing. Completely unaware of the way his presence lingered in Sasuke’s thoughts even when he wasn’t around.
And Sasuke hated that he noticed.
The night air was cool, the village quiet, and yet—something had shifted.
Something neither of them quite understood yet.
But it was there.
And it wasn’t going away.
The village stirred with the hush of dawn, the sky painted in soft amber and pale blue. The rooftops glowed beneath the early morning sun, and the streets, once empty under the quiet reign of night, slowly filled with the rhythmic steps of villagers rising to greet the day.
The scent of freshly baked bread drifted from the bakeries, mingling with the earthy aroma of the rain-dampened streets. In the distance, a merchant called out the morning’s first sales, and a group of early-rising shinobi darted across rooftops, their shadows flickering against the tiles.
Somewhere within the village, a loud voice shattered the morning peace.
“Rrrrgh—SASUKEEEE!!!”
A flock of birds shot up from the nearby trees, startled into the sky.
Sasuke barely had time to react before Naruto crashed into him at full force, nearly knocking him off balance.
“Ugh.” Sasuke scowled, shoving him off. “What is wrong with you?”
Naruto crossed his arms, puffing out his chest indignantly. “You left me this morning! I woke up and you weregone!”
Sasuke stared at him, unimpressed. “So?”
“So?! We were supposed to train, remember?”
“I did train.” Sasuke exhaled through his nose. “By myself. Peacefully.”
Naruto groaned dramatically. “What kind of friend ditches their friend to train alone?!”
Sasuke rolled his eyes and started walking. “A friend who values quiet.”
Naruto scrambled after him. “C’mon, you know training’s better when I’m around!”
Sasuke scoffed. “You mean louder?”
“Better!” Naruto corrected. “You need me to push you!”
Sasuke should have ignored him. He should have kept walking and let Naruto exhaust himself with his usual antics.
But instead, before he could think twice about it, he said, “Fine. Let’s go.”
Naruto blinked, startled by the quick agreement. Then his face lit up. “Hah! You do like training with me!”
Sasuke ignored him. “If we’re doing this, then we do it properly. No stupid distractions.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah—let’s go already!”
And with that, they were off.
The training grounds stretched before them, the clearing surrounded by towering trees, their leaves whispering in the breeze. The morning sun dappled the earth in shifting patches of gold, and the air carried the crisp scent of early autumn.
Sasuke unsheathed a kunai, testing its weight in his palm before sinking into a stance. His movements were fluid, precise—a sharp contrast to Naruto, who was already bouncing on his feet, grinning.
“Ready to lose?” Naruto teased.
Sasuke arched a brow. “I should be asking you that.”
And then—like lightning striking dry earth—Naruto lunged.
Their movements were swift, the clash of kunai ringing through the trees. Naruto attacked head-on, relentless, his strikes fueled by sheer energy and determination. Sasuke countered with practiced ease, dodging, weaving, every movement sharp as a blade’s edge.
A missed step. A split-second opening.
Sasuke capitalized on it instantly, hooking Naruto’s ankle and sending him sprawling.
Naruto hit the ground with a thud and groaned.
Sasuke stood over him, smug. “Still think I need you to push me?”
Naruto grumbled something unintelligible before rolling onto his back, staring up at the sky. “Alright, fine. You’re good. Today.”
Sasuke smirked. “Always.”
A silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. The wind rustled through the trees, the golden leaves drifting lazily in the morning light.
Naruto folded his hands behind his head, exhaling. “Hey, Sasuke?”
Sasuke sat down beside him. “What?”
Naruto turned his head slightly. “Why’d you stay?”
Sasuke stilled.
Naruto looked up at the sky, eyes half-lidded, unreadable. “Back then,” he said. “You could’ve left. Could’ve run off after your brother, after revenge, after whatever else. But you didn’t.”
The words hung in the air.
Sasuke exhaled through his nose. “I thought about it.”
Naruto’s breath hitched.
Sasuke stared ahead, his voice quieter now. “But I would’ve regretted it.”
Naruto turned his head fully now, watching him.
Sasuke didn’t meet his gaze. “Tch. Don’t look so surprised.”
Naruto grinned, a little too wide. “Who, me? Pshh. I knew you liked us.”
Sasuke finally glanced at him, deadpan. “I don’t.”
Naruto cackled.
The sun had risen fully now, bathing the village in soft, golden warmth.
Another day had begun, and with it, a thousand possibilities.
Konoha was alive.
The market streets bustled with movement, merchants calling out their wares while children weaved through the crowd, laughter bubbling in the crisp autumn air. The scent of grilled dango and freshly steamed rice buns drifted from the food stalls, mixing with the fragrant aroma of roasted chestnuts. Somewhere, the gentle chime of a wind bell signaled the passing breeze.
Naruto stretched his arms over his head, sighing contentedly. “Man, I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving,” Sasuke muttered beside him.
“Yeah, yeah, but for real this time.” Naruto turned, eyes locking onto a familiar figure just ahead. “Hey! Shikamaru!”
Shikamaru, hands stuffed in his pockets, barely turned his head. “Hnn?”
Naruto grinned, jogging up beside him. “You have to have some extra cash on you, right? Spot me some for ramen.”
Shikamaru shot him a look that screamed do I look like a charity? before sighing. “How troublesome.”
Naruto was already beaming in victory.
Sasuke, catching up, arched a brow. “I don’t see you asking me for money.”
Naruto huffed. “You’d just say no.”
Sasuke smirked. “Exactly.”
Shikamaru yawned, stretching lazily. “You guys training?”
“Yeah!” Naruto nudged Sasuke. “He actually trained with me today.”
“Shocking,” Shikamaru deadpanned.
Sasuke scoffed.
Before Naruto could complain, another voice joined them. “Naruto?”
Hinata approached, flanked by Kiba and Shino. Her pale eyes brightened upon seeing him, a soft smile forming. “Good morning.”
Naruto grinned. “Hinata! You just saved us from Sasuke’s moodiness.”
“I am not moody,” Sasuke muttered.
Kiba barked a laugh, Akamaru yipping excitedly in his hood. “Yeah, sure.”
Shino adjusted his glasses, silent as ever.
Naruto clapped his hands together. “Alright, since we’re all here—let’s eat! My treat! …Or well, Shikamaru’s treat.”
Shikamaru sighed.
The small shop was warm and inviting, the scent of simmering broth and freshly made noodles filling the air. The group squeezed into the stalls, bowls placed before them with a satisfying clink.
Naruto wasted no time digging in, inhaling his food with such enthusiasm that Kiba leaned away. “Geez, ever heard of chewing?”
Naruto waved him off, too busy shoveling noodles into his mouth.
Hinata, sitting beside him, hesitated before speaking. “U-um… Naruto, y-you have some—” She gestured to her cheek.
Naruto blinked at her, confused.
Sasuke, without a word, reached over and wiped it off with a napkin.
The table went silent.
Kiba’s eyes flickered between the two.
Hinata turned scarlet.
Naruto just blinked. “Oh. Uh. Thanks?”
Sasuke shrugged, taking a sip of his broth as if nothing happened.
Shikamaru muttered, “This is gonna be a pain later.”
Before anyone could dwell on it, the curtains at the shop’s entrance shifted.
A redhead stepped inside, sand trailing lightly behind him.
Everyone stilled.
Naruto’s face lit up. “Gaara!”
The Kazekage-in-training gave him a slow nod. “Naruto.”
Hinata, Kiba, and even Shikamaru tensed slightly—old instincts still wary of the former enemy.
Naruto, on the other hand, grinned and patted the seat beside him. “Come eat with us!”
Gaara hesitated. Then, after a beat, he silently took the seat.
Sasuke studied him. He wasn’t the same unstable force of destruction from before. His eyes—though still intense—held something steadier now. Something more… anchored.
Naruto, of course, treated him like he’d always belonged there.
“So what brings you to Konoha?” Naruto asked between bites.
Gaara regarded him. “Official business.” A pause. Then, quieter, “And… a visit.”
Naruto beamed.
Shikamaru sighed. “Great. Another one to deal with.”
Gaara turned his piercing gaze on him.
Shikamaru scratched the back of his head. “No offense.”
Gaara didn’t blink. “None taken.”
Kiba whispered to Shino, “This is the weirdest friend group ever.”
Shino nodded.
As the meal came to an end, Naruto leaned back, stretching. “Man, this is nice. We should do something fun tonight.”
Hinata tilted her head. “Like what?”
Naruto grinned. “A sleepover!”
Sasuke stared at him. “A what?”
“You know—like a big gathering! We invite everyone, hang out, train, tell stories, eat good food—”
Kiba perked up. “That… actually doesn’t sound bad.”
Hinata glanced at Sasuke. “Would you come?”
Sasuke exhaled. “If it means keeping you all from burning down the village, sure.”
Naruto clapped his hands together. “Then it’s settled! We’ll meet at my place. Bring snacks. And blankets. And yourselves.”
Gaara watched them.
Naruto turned to him. “You in?”
The redhead studied him for a moment before giving the smallest nod.
Naruto grinned. “Alright, tonight’s gonna be awesome!”
And just like that, the night awaited them—filled with possibilities, laughter, and moments that would shape them all in ways they didn’t yet realize.
The bonds of tomorrow were being forged today.
And the golden age of their youth had only just begun.
Night draped Konoha in a gentle hush, lanterns flickering in the streets, their warm glow casting long shadows against the rooftops. The Hokage Monument stood watchful over the village, as it always had, but tonight, there was something in the air—a quiet excitement, the promise of memories waiting to be made.
At Naruto’s apartment, the so-called sleepover had quickly devolved into what could only be described as controlled chaos.
“Hey! That’s my blanket!” Naruto yelped, tugging on one end while Kiba held firm on the other.
Kiba smirked. “Too bad. Survival of the fittest.”
“You have your own!”
“But this one is warmer.”
Sasuke, sitting on Naruto’s couch with arms crossed, exhaled sharply. “You’re both idiots.”
Shikamaru, who had claimed an entire pillow pile in the corner, muttered, “This was a mistake.”
Ino and Sakura sat on the floor together, arguing over which of them had the best idea for a game. Neji and Tenten had joined out of sheer curiosity, while Lee had declared it the perfect opportunity for youth-filled training (an idea that was instantly shut down).
Hinata, meanwhile, sat quietly by the window, stealing glances at Naruto every now and then.
And then, there was Gaara.
He stood near the door, arms crossed, watching the room unfold in its chaotic harmony. He wasn’t used to this—to so many voices overlapping, to the warmth of friendships woven together without wariness. Yet, strangely, he didn’t mind.
Naruto, after finally wrenching his blanket back from Kiba, plopped down beside him. “You doing okay?”
Gaara blinked. “Yes.”
Naruto grinned. “Good.”
Gaara watched as Naruto threw himself into another argument with Kiba, this time about who could eat the most snacks before feeling sick. It was ridiculous. Childish.
But for the first time in a long time, Gaara thought that maybe—just maybe—he didn’t mind being part of something so utterly absurd.
It wasn’t long before the group broke into separate activities.
Tenten and Lee had challenged each other to a ridiculous contest of handstands, much to Neji’s mild horror.
Shikamaru had somehow gotten roped into playing a strategy game against Shino and was already regretting it.
Sakura and Ino had taken over Naruto’s small mirror, debating hairstyles while Kiba and Akamaru snickered in the background.
And Sasuke?
Sasuke was watching Naruto.
Not in an obvious way—not even in a way he was fully conscious of. But the way Naruto laughed, the way he threw himself wholeheartedly into every little moment, the way his presence filled the room—Sasuke felt it.
It was annoying.
And strangely… not.
“Hey, bastard.”
Sasuke blinked. Naruto had flopped down beside him, tossing a piece of chocolate in the air before catching it with his mouth. “You’re just sitting there all broody. Lighten up.”
“I’m not broody.”
Naruto snorted. “Sure. And I’m the Raikage.”
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
Naruto grabbed another piece of chocolate, biting into it with a satisfied hum. But then—
He choked.
Eyes widening, he clutched his throat, wheezing.
“Idiot.” Sasuke sighed, giving him a swift thump on the back. Naruto sputtered, finally gulping down air.
“Bastard!” he croaked. “You almost killed me!”
“You almost killed yourself.”
Shikamaru looked up from his game. “If Naruto dies because of chocolate, I’m not explaining it to Tsunade.”
Kiba laughed. “That’s how you know it’d be a dumb way to go.”
Naruto, still wheezing slightly, pouted. “This is why I hate fancy food.”
“It’s chocolate, dumbass,” Sasuke muttered.
Naruto huffed. “Whatever. I’m eating ramen tomorrow to make up for this.”
Sasuke smirked. “When don’t you eat ramen?”
“Shut up.”
Gaara, who had witnessed the entire scene, quietly picked up a chocolate piece and turned it over in his hand. Strange how something so small could cause such chaos.
He decided against eating it.
As the night stretched on, the energy in the room slowly began to mellow. Some had fallen asleep—Shikamaru curled in his pillow nest, Hinata tucked into a corner with her blanket, Tenten passed out mid-conversation with Lee.
Neji sat near the window, gazing at the moon, while Sakura and Ino whispered softly to each other, their voices light with drowsiness.
Kiba, sprawled out on his stomach, muttered something about winning the blanket war before drifting off.
And Naruto?
Naruto sat on the floor beside Gaara, legs stretched out, watching the candlelight flicker against the walls.
“You tired?” he asked, voice softer now.
Gaara shook his head. “No.”
A pause. Then—
“This is normal for you?” Gaara asked.
Naruto tilted his head. “What is?”
“This.” Gaara gestured vaguely. “Friendship. People. Warmth.”
Naruto smiled, small and honest. “Yeah. Guess so.”
Gaara studied him for a long moment. “It suits you.”
Naruto blinked, startled. Then, a little softer—“Thanks.”
They didn’t say anything more after that.
But in the quiet, something settled. A silent understanding.
A bond that—though fragile—was real.
By the time the first hints of morning light slipped through the window, the room was a tangled mess of blankets, half-eaten snacks, and exhausted shinobi.
Naruto yawned, stretching his arms over his head. “Man, that was awesome.”
Sasuke—who was awake but pretending not to be—simply muttered, “Hn.”
Gaara, sitting upright with no signs of fatigue, simply nodded.
Kiba groaned. “We should do this again.”
Shikamaru cracked an eye open. “Troublesome.”
Naruto grinned.
Yeah.
They definitely had to do this again.
The golden light of dawn stretched lazily across the rooftops, slipping through Naruto’s window in soft, dappled beams. The mess of the night before remained—blankets tangled, pillows tossed in odd places, snacks scattered across the floor.
And then there was the pile of sleeping shinobi, sprawled out in various states of unconsciousness.
Naruto was the first to wake, blinking groggily as he stretched, his hair a complete mess. His stomach growled loudly, a sharp reminder that fun nights always had consequences—mainly, the devastating hunger that followed.
He yawned, rubbing his eyes, before standing up and promptly tripping over Kiba’s outstretched leg.
“Oi—!” Naruto caught himself, barely avoiding a faceplant.
Kiba cracked an eye open. “Can you not?”
Naruto grumbled, stepping over him. “Not my fault you sleep like a starfish.”
Sakura, who had been peacefully dozing, stretched with a small sigh. “Mm… what time is it?”
“Breakfast time,” Naruto declared. “And I’m starving.”
“Shocking.” Sasuke’s voice was dry as he sat up, his usual morning scowl already in place.
Gaara, still seated near the door, had not moved all night. He simply turned his gaze toward Naruto, watching him in that quiet way of his.
Neji stirred, his usual pristine composure slightly ruffled from sleep. “You’re always starving,” he muttered.
Naruto grinned. “Yeah, but today I’m extra starving. Who’s coming with me to Ichiraku’s?”
Sasuke sighed. “You’re seriously going to eat ramen first thing in the morning?”
Naruto gasped, clutching his chest as if mortally wounded. “How dare you. Ramen is always acceptable.”
Ino groaned from her spot on the floor. “Too early for your ramen speeches, Naruto…”
Shikamaru, still half-asleep, muttered, “Troublesome…” before rolling over and promptly falling back asleep.
Hinata, who had been quiet for most of the morning, hesitantly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I… I wouldn’t mind going.”
Naruto beamed. “See? Hinata gets it!”
Kiba smirked. “She’d follow you anywhere.”
Hinata turned red. “K-Kiba—!”
Naruto blinked in confusion but shrugged it off. “Anyway, let’s go before I die of hunger.”
And so, the morning began.
By the time they arrived at Ichiraku’s, the village had fully woken up, the streets bustling with early-morning life. The scent of fresh food drifted through the air, shopkeepers setting up for the day.
Teuchi, ever the welcoming presence, smiled as they approached. “Ah, Naruto! You’ve brought quite the group today.”
Naruto grinned. “Of course! The more, the merrier!”
Sasuke sighed, sitting down beside him. Gaara took the seat on Naruto’s other side, watching as the rest of the group settled in.
As bowls of ramen were served, conversation flowed easily—mostly Naruto talking with his usual enthusiasm while the others listened (or pretended not to).
At one point, Sakura nudged Sasuke. “So, did you have fun?”
Sasuke blinked. “…What?”
“The sleepover.”
He scoffed. “It was fine.”
Sakura smirked. “Admit it. You had fun.”
Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn’t reply.
Sitting on Naruto’s other side, Gaara quietly observed everything. The way Naruto’s energy lit up the space. The way people gravitated toward him. The way Sasuke, despite all his brooding, always sat closest to him.
Gaara didn’t understand it entirely—this feeling. This something that stirred whenever Naruto was around.
But he did know one thing.
He would stay close.
Even if he never said a word about it.
As they finished eating, Naruto stretched with a satisfied sigh. “Alright! What now?”
Kiba smirked. “How about a rematch? That blanket war last night wasn’t settled.”
Naruto grinned. “You’re on.”
Sasuke sighed. “You’re both idiots.”
Sakura huffed. “We should do something that doesn’t involve wrestling like cavemen.”
Hinata hesitated before softly suggesting, “W-we could go to the training grounds?”
Neji nodded in agreement. “It would be productive.”
Shikamaru groaned. “Can’t we do something relaxing?”
Gaara remained silent, watching as the group debated.
In the end, they agreed on heading to the training grounds—half for training, half just to hang out.
But as they walked, Sasuke couldn’t help but glance at Naruto.
At the way Hinata’s gaze lingered on him.
At the way Gaara seemed drawn to him.
And for reasons he couldn’t explain—reasons that annoyed him—Sasuke didn’t like it.
Not one bit.